Sony’s budget-friendly alternative to its flagship ‘XM’ model is a steal, clocking in at under $150/£100. Despite the lower price tag, these headphones deliver an impressive audio experience, especially when it comes to detail and balance. Picture this: crisp instruments, a treble that shines, bass doing its thing, and a warm and full mid-range – it’s like a symphony for your ears.
Now, let’s talk noise cancellation. It’s a game-changer for tuning out the world, making movie dialogues crystal clear even on a noisy plane. Sure, there’s a bit more sound leakage compared to the fancier options out there, both in over-ear headphones and earbuds, but for the price, it’s on par with the best from brands like JBL.
These headphones are feather-light and surprisingly comfy for those marathon listening sessions, even though they don’t fold up. They might not have that premium feel, but hey, that’s a compromise we’re willing to make. Plus, the wired option is a godsend for in-flight entertainment, and that quoted 35-hour battery life? Spot on, based on our real-world testing.
Number 3. Apple Airpods Pro 2
